9 Ways To Keep Your Relaxed Hair Healthy In Quarantine

Earlier this year I set a couple of goals for my hair. One of the goals was to get my hair back to its healthiest state. I knew achieving that goal would take a bit of time and work. When I set that goal though I never imagined that I would have some extra time to spend on it.

I’m writing this while the whole world is topsy-turvy because of the current situation. My state is currently under a stay-at-home order so I’ve been filling my days with working my full-time job, yard work, exercising, Bible study, creating social and blog content, and spending extra time on my hair.

Since I’ve had more time to spend on my hair every day I’ve been taking advantage of that by doing things like

• Moisturizing and sealing my hair every day (I have skipped a few days when my hair felt like it didn’t need the extra moisture)

• Washing and deep conditioning my hair weekly

I’m happy to say I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my hair. I plan to spend more time on my hair than normal to help my hair continue to improve. This is important because I will be stretching my relaxer longer than I have in a while because salons are closed.

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I figure you’re probably in the same boat so I wanted to share some things we can do to help keep our relaxed hair healthy until hair salons are open again.

1. Clarify

When was the last time you did a good deep cleansing of your hair? If you can’t remember the last time, now could be a good time to do it.

This doesn’t need to be done every week but should be done every once in a while to remove buildup from products, dirt, and other elements. If buildup is left on your hair it can keep it from getting moisture causing lifeless looking hair and breakage.

You can clarify your hair in a few different ways. One is by washing 2 or 3 times with a regular sulfate-free shampoo. How many times will depend on how much build-up your hair has. If that doesn’t work, you could try a sulfate or sulfate-free deep cleansing shampoo.

2. Pre-poo

While this isn’t a necessary step when it comes to washing or caring for your hair, it can be helpful. Since I added pre-pooing back to my hair regimen I’ve noticed my hair feeling and looking better each time I wash it.

If you already pre-poo try changing up what you pre-poo with to see if that improves your results. For example

• If you use a conditioner try adding some natural oils to it

• If you use a rinse-out conditioner swap it out for a deep conditioner

3. Deep condition

I know, I know. I talk about deep conditioning a lot. The reason I do this is because of how helpful it can be for your hair. So if you haven’t started already, start deep conditioning and do it regularly!

My hair would have looked and felt healthier than it did. I’ve found it to be really helpful with keeping my hair manageable when I’m relaxer stretching.

If you’ve been deep conditioning your hair regularly (yay!), step up your sessions by using heat when you deep condition. Add your favorite natural oils to your deep conditioner and see if that improves your deep conditioning sessions.

 

4. Wash your hair tools

Can you remember the last time you cleaned your brush, comb, or hairdryer? If you can’t or it’s been a while it’s time to clean them. Especially your combs and brushes because if you haven’t cleaned them and you use them on freshly washed hair all you’re doing is transferring the dirt and product gunk from your dirty hair back to your hair. (ugh)

I wash my combs every time I wash my hair (I don’t use brushes throughout the week). If you’re not sure how to clean your hair tools I have a blog post all about it

5. Leave your hair alone

If you’re not going anywhere or doing video calls for work, why not do anything with it? It keeps your hair from experiencing friction from manipulation and can help your hair stay moisturized for longer periods of time.

One way I do this is to keep my hair wrapped for most of the weekend. I wouldn’t recommend keeping your hair wrapped 24/7 though as hair sometimes needs to breathe and keeping it constantly wrapped doesn’t allow that. When I keep my hair wrapped up during the weekend it’s out during the day for the rest of the week.

Another way is to wear a satin bonnet or cap all day. This can be an alternative to wrapping your hair because it’s not as constrictive.

6. Try drying your hair differently

If you’re like me and prefer to blow dry your hair because it’s quick and it gives you a smooth look now is a good time to try something else that requires less manipulation and direct heat.

Such as roller setting. While this uses heat, it’s indirect heat so it’s not applied directly to your hair. Plus there’s so much less manipulation to your hair during the drying process. I’ve started roller-setting my hair and have been enjoying the results.

My Favorite Products For The Best Roller Sets

Air drying is another option. This is probably the best way to dry your hair as it uses no heat. It does take some practice to find the best air-drying method and products for your hair.

7. Take hair vitamins

Healthy hair starts from the inside so taking some good hair vitamins can help with that. I’ve been taking hair vitamins from Mielle and I’ve noticed my hair growing thicker and stronger. One thing to note is that hair vitamins aren’t a magic pill so don’t expect drastic or immediate results.

8. Moisturize and seal regularly

Just like deep conditioning, this is another thing I talk about constantly. The reason I do is because of how it can bring dry hair back to life.

Spend this extra time I have to figure out which of the products you use works best. Is it a cream or a liquid moisturizer? Does your hair prefer a serum or natural oil for a sealant?

Also, pay attention to how often your hair feels like it needs moisture as that could have changed. If you’re not styling your hair every day you may find you don’t need to do it every day.

9. Protect your hair at night

What you’re sleeping on can cause some damage to your hair. Cotton pillowcases tend to dry out our hair and can cause friction when it comes into contact with our hair. Especially at night because your hair is rubbing against it as you’re moving around at night. All of this can result in breakage and/or split ends.

To avoid this try one or several of these things

• Use a satin or silk pillowcase instead of cotton. This will lower the friction by giving your hair something smooth to rub against.

• Cover your hair with a satin or silk cap or scarf. This gives your hair some protection from drying out at night and provides a smooth surface for it to rub against.